"These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you" (John 14:25).

Before the crucifixion, our Lord gave a great amount of instruction to His disciples in John 13-17. Repeating the phrase, "These things have I spoken" (or "commanded") a number of times. Certainly the spoken word of Christ was of utmost importance not only to the disciples at that time but to us at this time. When Christ speaks, God speaks, for He is God.

In this discourse the Lord Jesus Christ promises the following spiritual blessings to those who will, without wavering, obey His spoken word.

1. Fullness of joy. "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (15:11). Joy results from a deep settled trust in what Christ has said.

2. True brotherly love. "These things I command you, that ye love one another . . . as I have loved you" (15:17,12). The standard is Christ. We are to follow in His steps.

3. Stability in the face of persecution. "These things have I spoken unto you, that you should not be offended" (16:1). The true Christian does not stumble and fall away when tribulation comes, but stands strong in Christ.

4. Perfect peace. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace" (16:33). The Lord has promised, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (14:27).

5. True spiritual understanding through the Holy Spirit. "These things have I spoken unto you. . . . the comforter . . . he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (14:25-26).

May we earnestly trust and obey what Christ has spoken. NPS